Shock: Liverpool was brought to a standstill after the incident (Image: Liverpool Echo / Neil Edwards)

Siege: Negotiators were drafted in to help at one point (Image: Liverpool Echo / Neil Edwards)

Several roads remained cordoned off and the bomb disposal unit is at the scene.

Police and expert negotiators were called to Silkhouse Court at around 10.30am after the suspect’s arrival sparked concern among staff on the fifth floor of the building - causing them to set off the fire alarm.

After the alarm was raised employees at the office block “self-evacuated” before police moved in and began attempts to deal with the incident.

Sources have told the ECHO that the incident is linked to a confrontation in the offices of boat insurance firm, Groves, John and Westrup.